Cauda Equina Case Study: Failure to arrange MRI scan leads to serious neurological injuries
The Injury
X now suffers from Cauda Equina Syndrome with severe ongoing pain in their lower back, and right leg.
They have weakness in their right leg, urinary and bowel difficulties,sexual dysfunction and depression. They struggle to mobilise, walk long distances and now use a walking aid.
They now self-catheterise and hada spinal cord stimulator fitted to reduce their leg pain. They have been unableto return to their role as a Civil Servant, a job they enjoyed.
They rely on the assistance of others for routine activities of daily living and their social life has been curtailed.
To read more about how MDS can help you witha Cauda Equina Syndrome claim, click here.
Represented by Navdeep Kainth, a Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor and Partner at MDS, the case was settled with the Defendant after aspects of liability had been denied in full”.
Navdeep said - “Cauda Equina Syndrome is a condition that is often not recognised or treated in time. An MRI scan plays a vital role in diagnosing the condition. Sadly in this case, the delay in undergoing the scan led to life changing injuries. I hope that lessons will be learned to prevent the same error from happening to others”
Are you concerned about a delay in diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome or the advice that you have been given about spinal surgery?
Contact MDS today for specialist advice.
What Happened to Our Client?
X, a Civil Servant had a history of low back pain.
On 1 September, X was suffering from back pain and noticed that her right leg was dragging. They had some physiotherapy treatment to help. The pain did not improve.
On 4 September, X attended the A &E department of the Defendant’s hospital. They were advised that they may have a slipped disc, however no further action was taken.
Over the next few days, X’s symptoms got worse and on 12 September, they developed numbness in their groin and buttocks. X also had problems passing urine. X returned to the A& E department. X was examined however an MRI scan was not performed and instead a non-urgent referral was made to the spinal clinic. X was discharged from hospital.
On 13 September, X’s symptoms worsened further, and they were now experiencing numbness in the perineum area. X returned to the hospital for the third time. X was examined by two different doctors who suspected that they may be suffering from Cauda Equina Syndrome. However, the doctors incorrectly believed that X did not require an urgent MRI scan on the same day as X’s symptoms had been present for more than 8 hours.
On 14 September, X was seen by a different doctor who arranged an urgent MRI scan. X was transferred to another hospital where the MRI scan took place later the same day. The MRI scan confirmed that X had a disc prolapse which was causing compression of the cauda equina and they required emergency decompression surgery. X was transferred to another hospital and surgery took place later that day.
As a result of the failure to perform an MRI scan, there was a delay in diagnosis and treatment of Cauda Equina Syndrome, our client has been left with significant ongoing disabling symptoms.
Concerned about a delay in diagnosing Cauda Equina Syndrome?
How can MDS help you?
While no amount of compensation will ever be enough for your or a family member’s suffering, if you or a loved one has been affected by healthcare negligence, we can help you through the legal process for investigating your concerns against a healthcare professional and your negligence claim if there is one.
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The Outcome of the Case
X instructed MDS to investigate the standard of care that they received.
After extensive investigations with an expert Neurosurgeon and A & E experts, we were able to establish that an MRI scan should have been performed earlier than what took place. If the scan had been undertaken at an earlier stage, X would have had a better outcome.
This was a complex case, which required expert evidence form a lot of different disciplines. Allegations were made against the Defendant hospital that was responsible for the doctors who advised X that they did not need an MRI scan. The Defendant hospital admitted some failures in care however denied that X would have been left with such severe injuries. The claim was resolved with the Defendant hospital paying compensation of six figures to X.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome, you can get support from the following charities:
- Cauda Equina Champions Charity - Championing Cauda Equina Syndrome – The UK’s Only CES Charity - Cauda Equina Champions Charity
MDS is proud to be a Trusted Partner of the Cauda Equina Champions Charity and is a member of the charity’s Expert Legal Panel.
Disclaimer
Whilst our case studies are designed to give an indication of the outcomes that can be achieved in these circumstances, the compensation awarded in individual cases can vary significantly due to a range of factors, including the severity of injury, effects on life expectancy and financial impact, for example. For more information, contact us today.
Our Approach
We will support you, guide you and be your voice throughout.
If you are concerned about the medical treatment that you or a loved one has received, please contact us and one of our specialist team will assist you.
